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Aiden had been upstairs in their shared bedroom folding one of the last shirts he had in his drawer and putting it, along with the others, in a large black travel suitcase.

Over the last few weeks he had been systematically removing his belongings, starting in rooms Alex didn’t frequent then working his way into the common areas of the house. It was easier this time of year with the holidays and decorations; most things went into storage anyway to make room for the candles, garland and the soon to come Christmas Tree.

Riley looked up at him, head leaning from side to side he whined knowing that something was wrong. Even when the front door opened and Cadha ran downstairs to meet Alex, he remained by Aiden’s side and eventually jumped on the bed to lay his head on the closed suitcase. “It’s ok boy.”

The handsome brown Chesapeake bay retriever looked up at him with a worried expression. On one hand he wanted to bring Riley with him, especially since he was his dog, but to take him from the only home he knows, away from his friends and family, and force him to stay alone in an apartment while he was at work was just too cruel for him to do.

Aiden leaned over and kissed Riley on the head. “You didn’t do anything wrong. C’mon, see me to the door.” He snapped his fingers and Riley obeyed, jumping off the bed with a thump he walked to the door, tail hanging behind him.

The hand at his side flexed, but otherwise, Aiden remained unflinching when Alex reached up to touch his cheek. Years ago he would have taken that hand and held it to his face or kissed his palm affectionately. But those days were long gone, lost to a sea of lies and web of secrets.

Aiden gazed down at Alex with a dispassionate unblinking expression “I wasn’t expecting you to come home early,” let alone on time especially after what happened in the shadow realm. After big events like that, Alex had a tendency of staying out late. Then again so has he in more recent months.

“The only thing we’ve done is to put a bandaid over the problem, but nothing has been getting better.” His words were calloused but it was truly how he felt. If anything their problems have just been festering beneath.

“This isn’t something new, it’s been going on for years.”

Aiden sighed then, with his free hand, pinched the bridge of his nose to stymie the headache that was about to come. “I’ll admit, I was happiest when it was just the two of us. But I also know that this is your house Alex, I have no say in what happens here. Just because we share a bedroom doesn’t mean I can dictate who you bring into your home, case and point Hux.” He had no real problem with the man but it wasn’t like they spoke all that often. Neither friends nor enemies, they simply just existed under the same roof.

“I didn’t even get asked my opinion and was expected to be ok with it. He’s your cousin, even if I wanted to I wouldn’t say no, but it’s the principal of the matter.” The least Alexandre could have done was discussed with him what the plan was or give him a timeframe for these changes.

“If that was the only time then it wouldn’t be a problem. But either I come home and you have several cars outside and a group of people over doing who knows what, or you’re coming home late oftentimes injured.” There were a few nights at the start where it had been the other way around but after seeing how worried Alex had been when he came home because the General had cut him across his face with the tip of his spear, Aiden set aside his duty and obligation as Slidr to avoid bringing his boyfriend into this ludicrous war they were enthralled in. “I’m tired of waiting for the last person to leave so I can finally come inside.”

Yes, it has been a while since the last time it had happened, but it was simply something he couldn’t let go.

“I’m tired of pretending things are ok between us. I’m not a novelty boyfriend that you can just stick on a shelf and forget about.” His own thoughts or concerns were rarely taken into consideration unless Alex was feeling particularly lonely and wanted to spend time with him. Even then that time was fleeting. ”For the times you and I do spend together you end up getting pulled away for some God damned work reason. Hell, I’m honestly surprised that you didn’t just ditch me in the Shadow realm with that dragon.”

Aiden’s lips pressed into a thin line. What he said was downright hurtful and it was all he could do to maintain his resolve. Alex had saved his a** more than ones in that hell hole, but a huge part of him wishes that he hadn’t. He should have just put an end to this, let him fall into that crevasse and got out on his own, then they could have avoided this moment all ******** hell, why did he have to come home early?

“I’m not going to chase you out of your own house, Alex.” His lips pursed into a thin line, clearly displeased by the even mention or idea of it.

“You’ve been kind enough to me in the past; offering me a place to live and bringing Riley into our lives.” At the sound of his name, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s tail began to wag excitedly. “But I … I'm tired of being kept at an arms-length away. Which is why we can’t continue staying here.” Sometimes it made it feel like they were strangers sitting across the table from one another.

“I put in an application for an apartment yesterday and will be staying at my parents until I hear back.” His old room had been turned into a guest room and while his father still hated him with a passion, it beat living on the streets. Thankfully his mother and sister, Jenna, loved Riley and would help watch him.

It would suck having to share walls with strangers again but it wasn’t too long ago that he was living in the dorm. At least with this living arrangement, he didn’t have to worry about sharing a communal bathroom with anyone and had his own kitchen to make food in. It would be a far cry from what he was use to here but he was a survivor and would make it work somehow.

Aiden clenched his jaw to keep from making another assholish remark and drew in a deep breath. He could tell that his words had hurt him deeply, however, despite the emotional pain he had caused, Alex was being sincere in his offer and that.

“No,” he stated simply and shook his head.

Even though the house was warm, Aiden felt cold to the bone. Emotionally numb to the point of almost shivering for how much of a frozen heart he seemed to have. Out of concern that Alex would try to convince him to stay, he turned around and walked over to the coat closet where he kept Riley’s leash. “C’mere,” he patted his knee and the dog came obediently.

With deft hands, he clipped the leash onto the dog’s collar then grabbed his coat from the closet. “I’ll let you know when I’m ready to move my belongings so you can be here to let me inside.” His own keys were set on the small wooden table beneath the wall decoration, this was not his home anymore, there was no reason to carry them with him any longer.